A reference framework for the restoration of riparian vegetation in the Western Cape, South Africa, degraded by invasive Australian Acacias

Riparian vegetation, which normally differs structurally and compositionally from surrounding vegetation, has been degraded in many parts of the fynbos biome by several species of invasive Australian Acacia. Systematic clearing of dense stands of these alien trees was initiated in 1995, and information is urgently needed to guide the restoration of riparian habitats. A problem is that degradation of these communities is so advanced and widespread that in many cases managers do not know what species to use in restoration, or what kinds of target communities to aim for. This study's aim was to provide baseline information on riparian plant community structure and composition from non-transformed habitats. Species and environmental data were recorded from 76 sites located along the headwater systems of six rivers in the southwestern part of the Western Cape province. Analysis of the data, applying multivariate classification (TWINSPAN) and ordination (Detrended Correspondence Analysis) techniques, identified four prospective plant communities: 1) a Nivenia corymbosa-Brachylaena neriifolia Community; 2) a Leucadendron salicifolium-Berzelia lanuginosa Community; 3) a Cliffortia ruscifolia-Metrosideros angustifolia Community; and 4) a Kiggelaria africana-Brabejum stellatifolium Community. These formed a continuum with only the Leucadendron and Kiggelaria communities separating in ordination space. Soil pH differed between the latter two communities, reflecting different geology. It was found that many riparian specialist species are relatively widespread. For the study area, it is concluded that where information on the historical composition of riparian communities is lacking, target communities for restoration can be defined from pristine communities with similar geology, and secondly, altitude. In all cases the target community will comprise a large proportion of widespread, predominantly resprouting, riparian species